The RG contributes to information sharing and scholarly debates in its field, thus creating synergies and new constellations for research and publication among its members. The aim is to maintain disciplinary plurality but at the same time benefit from multi- and interdisciplinary insights.The RG also functions as a forum to discuss and evaluate new project generation and funding opportunities. In terms of its members’ research and output, the RG aims at becoming a recognized consort of excellence in its field both nationally and internationally.

The scope of the RG is a subject to change and re-evaluation, depending on the development of its members’ research interests, new members and new projects. It is an aim of the RG to develop multidisciplinary research within the common fields of interest.

Societal security, safety and emergencies:

- Crisis and emergency management, including the whole range of the crisis cycle, i.e. prevention, preparedness, warning, response, recovery and other related dimensions.

- Critical infrastructure, i.e. an asset, system or part thereof, which is essential for the maintenance of vital societal functions, health, safety, security, economic or social well-being of people, and the disruption or destruction of which would have a significant impact as a result of the failure to maintain those functions.

- Environmental management and risks, focusing, in a broad sense on the management of ecosystems and natural resources, and the environmental risks and potential harmful consequences of human activities on the environment.

Maritime preparedness in the High North – Institutional partnership and coordination (MARPART)Funding:• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway- the Barents 2020 program• The Nordland County Administration• The University of NordlandProject period: January 2014 - December 2016

Search and rescue in the High North (SARiNOR):Work Package 3 «SEARCH»Funding: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign AffairsProject period: 27.01.2015 – 19.06.2015